Walking holidays in Devon
You're spoit for choice for great walking near our cottage and eco lodges in Devon. Dartmoor lies 12 miles to the south of the farm, with easy access from Okehampton. Exmoor is to the north, offering wild country, easy strolls and lovely picnic sites through to challenging walks and hikes requiring good orienteering skills.
Nearer our lodges and cottage we have plenty of beautiful countryside, charming towns and villages and clear rivers with well marked walking routes. Try walking the Tarka Trail, the Two Moors Way, or the Ridge and Valley Route. Below you'll find links to more information on our own website and other Devon walk resources.
We have space for walkers and cyclists to dry wet kit and lock up bikes.
We have also researched local Devon walks and would be happy to share some route notes with you. Follow the links below or ask for more detailed information when you get here. And to make leaving the car behind easier, we have 'farm bikes' for guests to borrow. You can pedal to the start of some great local walks a couple of miles from our door - or to the bus stop for some of our walks from public transport .
The National Parks Authority lead guided walks on Dartmoor. Here are a few closest to us.
The Dartmoor National Parks Authority organise guided walks - here are some accessible from our self-catering accommodation during March 2010. Please note, you can't take your dog on these walks.
On Sunday 7 March you can join a 5m/8km Dartmoor guided walk setting off from Two Bridges at 11:00. Get hints and tips on walking in winter conditions. Guide is N Handley (01752 780557). Suitable for most fit walkers. Meet in the quarry car park opposite the Two Bridges Hotel on the B3212 and pay the guide £6.50. Map ref. SX 685 750 - about 30 miles from the cottage and lodges.
On 8 March you can join an Introduction to Nordic Walking on Dartmoor, setting off from Pork Hill at 10:30. Try out a new sport and increase your fitness. Cost £6.00 which includes tuition and the use of poles. Book on 01822 615513 - runs for 2.5 hours. Pork Hill is about 30 miles from your self catering cottage and lodges. (SX 530 751). Meet in the large car park on south side of B3357 between Tavistock and Merrivale.
On Sunday 14 March, a Dartmoor guided walk sets off from Belstone at 10:30. This ridge walk will tread the highest points of the North east side of the moor and across 'The Beacon' which was so beautifully described by Eden Phillpotts in his book of the same name. Guide A Cope 01297 625375. Suitable for fit walkers who want to stride out and enjoy the moor at a lively pace. Costs £8.
On Saturday 20 March a 3.5hr 4.5m/7km Dartmoor guided walk sets off from Postbridge at 10:30. Have your lunch at the East Dart Falls! Guide B Kocziban, tel: 01395 278533 Average route and pace, suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. Turn up in good time and pay the guide £6.50.
On Sunday 21 March a 4.5hr 6m/10km Dartmoor guided walk leaves Okehampton Moor at 10:30. Visit the home of the Dartmoor pixies and the highest point in Southern England. Guide J Whiting 01837 861333 Suitable for fit walkers who what to stride out and enjoy the moor at a lively pace. Turn up in good time and pay the guide £8.
On Sunday 28 March a 6hr 8.5m/13.5km Dartmoor guided walk sets off from Postbridge at 10:00. Far Form the Madding Crowds - a good moorland yomp with plenty of interest on the way. Walkers need to be fit and well equipped - a challenging walk suitable for those wanting to stride out and enjoy the moor at a lively pace. Guide T Burges 01404 44579. Turn up in good time at the Information Centre at Postbridge (you can't miss it) and pay the guide £8. Postbridge is about 28 miles from your self catering cottage and lodges.
On Sunday 28 March try a 6hr Practical Navigation course on Dartmoor, setting off from Pork Hill at 10:00. To book ring 01822 890414. Pork Hill is about 30 miles from the cottage and lodges. Meet in the large car park on south side of B3357 between Tavistock and Merrivale (SX 530 751).
Close at hand...
For a gentle stroll try the Big tree walk in nearby Heywood Forestry Plantation (about three miles from your accommodation.)
Hollocombe village to Leach Bridge circular walk through ancient woodland and alongside a bubbling brook. (bike from the door or drive <2 miles)page coming soon
Hollocombe village to Higher Minicleave Wood circular walk. (bike from the door or drive <2 miles)page coming soon
Kersham Bridge on the Taw to Hollocombe and back via the farm shop. page coming soon
Eggesford -Nethercott circular walk using both Devon's Tarka Trail and the Ridge and Valley Walk, crossing the River Taw twice and ending with a tea room. page coming soon This walk is also available from Walking World. (starts about 4 miles from your accommodation)
Chulmleigh to Chawleigh circular route taking in the Little Dart river and lovely open countryside. Stop for a pub lunch half way. (starts about 5 miles from your acommodation)page coming soon
Making a day out of it...
Catch the bus from Winkleigh then walk the South West Coat Path from Horn's Cross to Westward Ho!
There are some lovely walks along the canal or the South West Coast Path at Bude.
Catch the bus from Winkleigh (or drive to the walk's start)then walk from the Puffing Billy pub to Yarde Cafe on the Tarka Trail, Puffing Billy pub to old Bideford Station on the Tarka Trail, or Instow to Fremington on the Tarka Trail ending up at the lovely Fremington Quay cafe. Or take the bus all the way to Barnstaple and walk back to Fremington Quay along the Tarka Trail.
Here's a Devon county council variation on our own walk on the Tarka Trail at Great Torrington - come back on the bus.
Want some company or a guide?
Hillwise, a Devon company, offer escorted walking, tailored to your requirements. If you want to go further into the wilderness but dont feel confident alone, then ring Adrian and plan an escorted walk, starting where you choose, walking as far as you want, at a time that suits you and taking in places of interest to you on the way.
Walk, ramble, stroll or hike - Devon is all yours....
Our walks pages
Dartmoor guided walks near Wheatland Farm cottage and lodges
April - not yet released